Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has categorically denied media reports alleging a confrontation between him and the Council of Afobajes (kingmakers) concerning the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
In an official statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, and dated January 21, 2026, the Governor described the circulating reports as “completely false and misleading.”
The statement clarified that the Governor recently held a “respectful consultative meeting” with the Council of Afobajes. This meeting was characterized as part of his consistent efforts to foster harmony within traditional institutions, akin to past engagements that led to the harmonization of a previously polarized Olori Ebis council and persuaded a kingmaker to withdraw filed litigation.
“The discussions he had focused on matters of mutual concern in the interest of the progress in traditional affairs within Ijebuland,” the statement read.
The Governor’s office strongly refuted specific claims attributed to him. “Contrary to the rumors, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats [or] ultimatums. Statements attributed to him, including ‘No Kuye, No Awujale’, are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the Governor or his administration,” the statement asserted. It added that “No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened.”
The statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to due process and the autonomy of traditional institutions. “The governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebu.”
Concluding the rebuttal, the statement urged “Members of the public, traditional stakeholders, and the media… to disregard these unfounded insinuations and rely solely on verified information from official sources.”
The Awujale stool, one of the most prominent traditional thrones in Yorubaland, became vacant following the passing of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
